I've recently made the switch to Linux and I'm loving the journey so far! However, there's one thing I'm a bit stuck on. I have a bunch of games and some software that I used to run on Windows, and I'm wondering if there's a way to get them working on Linux.
Has anyone here managed to successfully run Windows-specific games or programs on their Linux system? If so, could you share how you did it? Are there any tools or emulators that you'd recommend? I've heard about Wine and Proton, but I'm not sure where to start or how effective they are.
Transitioning from Windows to Linux can indeed involve some adjustments, especially when it comes to compatibility with games and software. However, there are several tools and methods available that can help you run Windows-specific programs and games on your Linux system. One suggestion when you ask questions, please include which specific Linux distro you are using.
One popular option is Wine. Wine is a compatibility layer that allows you to run Windows applications on Linux. It's been around for quite some time and supports a wide range of Windows software. You can install Wine through your distribution's package manager or directly from the WineHQ website.
Wine:
- Install it using your package manager or from WineHQ.
- Run Windows programs by double-clicking the executable or using the
winecommand. - Check Wine's AppDB for compatibility and tips.
Another tool, especially for gaming, is Proton is a compatibility layer based on Wine that specifically focuses on running Windows games on Linux. It's integrated into the Steam client, hence you can access Windows game library on Linux.
Proton:
- Integrated into Steam for gaming.
- Enable Steam Play in settings to access your Windows game library.
- Not all games are officially supported, but many work well.
@scriptguru Thanks!